June 15, 2020

Department of Banking Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Warns of Risks of Investment Fraud Among Seniors Due to Increased Isolation During Covid-19 

HARTFORD – Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Department of Banking is alerting investors to be on guard against an anticipated surge of fraudulent investment schemes.

The Department of Banking joins regulators, other state and federal agencies as well as non-profit groups in recognizing June 15, 2020 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).  As part of its ongoing efforts, the Department reminds financial professionals and the public throughout Connecticut that heightened isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic have created a perfect storm for senior financial exploitation.

“Social isolation has long been one of the leading factors contributing to the financial exploitation of older investors and the unprecedented quarantines to protect against the spread of the novel coronavirus have taken social isolation to a new dimension for many seniors, making them more vulnerable to financial exploitation,” said Banking Commissioner Jorge Perez.

While financial abuse can happen at any time, perpetrators often strike during times in a senior’s life when they may be more vulnerable, such as during a health crisis or after the death of a loved one. Scammers often gather personal details from obituaries and social media posts and use this information to target their victims. Some even will exploit trust within seniors’ social and support groups to become more involved in their lives.  

What to Watch For

Senior financial exploitation can be difficult to identify or recognize. Below are five examples of warning signs to watch for among the seniors in your lives:

• A new and overly protective friend or caregiver or surrendering control of finances to a new friend or partner.
• Fear or sudden change in feelings about somebody.
• A lack of knowledge about financial status or reluctance to discuss financial matters.
• Sudden or unexplained changes in spending habits, a will, trust, or beneficiary designations.
• Unexplained checks made out to cash, unexplained loans, or unexplained disappearance of assets (cash, valuables, securities, etc.). Also watch for suspicious signatures on the senior’s checks or other documents.

How You Can Help

• Contact. While in-person visits may not be possible yet, be sure to keep in touch with older family members, friends, and neighbors. Call or leave a note on their front door. If they have the technology, send them a text or email, or Facetime or Skype. Contact is key to letting your loved ones know you are thinking of them. 
• Inform. Let your older family members know that fraudsters and scammers have found ways to exploit the pandemic. Make them aware of the red flags of fraud, which remain consistent regardless of the fraud or scam. 
• Act. The Department asks anyone with suspicions of possible senior financial exploitation to contact the agency at www.ct/gov/dob or via e-mail at department.banking@ct.gov. 

Financial and investment professionals also are encouraged to contact the Department to request a Senior$afe presentation on how to spot and report suspected senior financial exploitation. 

Media Contacts

Matt Smith, 860-240-8105
matthew.smith@ct.gov